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SPRING 2015

Case Study, Tree And Shrub Care

Root Crown Excavation

Matthew Ward

ISA Certified Arborist PD-1673

The grouping of three Nellie Stevens Holly trees. The tree on the left is underperforming.

A client in Radnor has three nice Nellie Stevens Holly trees growing in the front yard. We noticed that one tree was underperforming for no apparent reason. We decided to root crown excavate to expose the root flares of the tree.

After removing the soil from the root flares of the Holly, we were able to cut a nylon cord that was acting as a girdle around the trunk. This cord should have been cut when the tree was originally planted. It will be interesting to monitor this tree over the next several years for overall health improvement.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2015 newsletter – John B Ward & Co. Timely Tree Tips